Bed frame with detachable side rails

ABSTRACT

A bed frame having longitudinal side rails with spaced end portions. Each end portion is provided with a normally downwardly extending bracket member having means thereon for detachable but rigid connection with cooperating means on a bracket member on each end portion of a pair of longitudinal end rails. The cooperating means on the bracket members is in the form of vertically engageable keyhole slots and headed pins and vertically extending flange surfaces engaged with each other for forming a rigid connection between the side rails and end rails.

United States Patent 1191 Hooker 1 BED FRAME WITH DETACI-IABLE SIDE RAILS [76] Inventor: Emerson F. Hooker, P.O. Box 140,

Lexington, N.C. 27299 [22] Filed: Mar. 21, 1972 [21] Appl. No.2 236,750

[52] US. Cl. 5/201, 5/200 C, 5/282 R, 5/286, 5/299 [51] Int. Cl. A47c 19/00 [58] Field of Search 5/131, 200 R, 200 C, 5/201, 282 R, 286, 289, 299, 304

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,683,429 j 8/1972 M15 5/201 1,434,441 11 1922 Koch 5/299 1451 Sept. 25, 1973 948,054 2/1910 Hunt 5/286 X Primary Examiner-James C. Mitchell Attorney-Harvey B. Jacobson [57] ABSTRACT A bed frame having longitudinal side rails with spaced end portions. Each end portion is provided with a normally downwardly extending bracket member having means thereon for detachable but rigid connection with cooperating means on a bracket member on each end portion of a pair of longitudinal end rails. The cooperating means on the bracket members is in the form of vertically engageable keyhole slots and headed pins and vertically extending flange surfaces engaged with each other for forming a rigid connection between the side rails and end rails.

14 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures tion relates to a Hollywood-type bed I 1 BED FRAME wmr DETACHABLE SIDE RAILS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a bed frame with detachably connected end and side rails.'ln particular, this invenframe having a rectangular shape.

2. Description of the Prior Art Hollywood-type bed frames having a rectangular shape and detachable side rails are known. These known bed frames have various constructions for attaching the side rails to the end rails and/or to a headboard. While it is generally desirable to have a bed frame with detachable siderails for convenience in assembling and disassembling, it is also necessary that the connection be sufficiently rigid to prevent rocking during use and when the bed is moved from one position to another by exerting a force at, for example, an end thereof. The supporting engagement of the casters or other floor engaging devices with a floor tends to rock the legs on the frame when the bed frame is so moved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an-object of the present invention to provide a bed frame with detachable side rails which has a construction permitting easy assembly and disassembly of the frame while providing a rigid connection between the various rails.

This and other objects are accomplished according to one embodiment of the present invention by providing a bed frame with detachable side rails and having a rectangular shape which includes a pair of longitudinal side rails having spaced end portions and a first transversely extending member provided with at least one keyhole slot and arranged at the end portions, and a pair of longitudinal end rails having spaced end portionsand second transversely extending members providedwith at least one pin and arranged at the rail end portions for mating with slots and connecting the side rails to the end rails.

In this embodiment according to the present invention, the first transversely extending members each is partially formed as a longitudinally extending plate provided with perpendicularly extending and codirectional flanges on the longitudinal edges forming a channel in which the second transversely extending member is received for restricted movement therein. The second transversely extending members each is formed from an L-shaped bracket, with one leg provided with the pin and dimensioned to mate with the channel for preventing a rocking movement between the two members. The two members are arranged for normally lying in a vertical plane.

The side rails may be L-shaped angles, each having the first members connected to the inner surface of a leg thereof and arranged parallel to and spaced from the other leg. The end rails may be T-shapedmembers provided with a stem, and having a leg of the second member connected to the stemand arranged parallel thereto, while the other leg of the L-shaped bracket is arranged perpendicular with respect to the other leg and the stem. The first member has. a pair of longitudinally spaced keyhole slots, and the second member has a pair of mating headed pins.

Another and preferred embodiment of the invention includes a bed frame with side rails detachably and rigidly connected to end rails in which the side rails have a depending bracket at each end thereof and each end of the end rail is provided with a bracket cooperatively associated with the bracket on the side rail for detachable and rigid connection therewith. The detachable connection includes a pair of headed pins on the bracket on the side rail and a pair of keyhole slots on the bracket on the end rail with the pins and slots being vertically oriented and vertically engaged with the two brackets including vertically disposed and engaged flange surfaces to rigidify the connection.

Another feature of the preferred embodiment of the invention is the provision of a detachable clip on the side rails for engaging the lower corners of the bed springs to facilitate the mounting of the clips on the side rails and facilitate shipment of the bed frame in a compact condition inasmuch as the chips may be detached from the side rails during shipment thus reducing the overall size of the bed frame when collapsed and reducing damage to cartons for the bed frames when they are shipped with rigidly mounted clips.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a bed frame according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken generally along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is'a perspective view of a bracket member on a side rail.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view showing in detail the bracket member on the end portion of an end rail.

FIG. 5 is an exploded group perspective view of the detachable connection between the side rails and end rails incorporated into the preferred form of the inven tion.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of the connection between the side rail and end rail.

FIG. 7 is a transverse, horizontal sectional view of the connection between the side rail and end rail.

FIG. 8 is a fragmental perspective view of the clip for engaging the bed springs illustrating the detachable connection to the upper flange of the side rail.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. l and 2 of the drawings show a bed frame 10 having a rectangular shape and a pair of longitudinal side rails 12 with spaced end portions 14. Rails 12 have first transversely extending members 16 which are provided with at least one keyhole slot 18 and arranged at the end portions 14. Frame 10 also has a pair of longitudinal end rails 20 having spaced end portions 21. Rails 20 have second transversely extending members 22 provided with at least one pin 24 arranged at end portions 21 for mating with a slot 18 and rigidly conneeting side rails 12 to end rails 20. Pin 24 is of a conventional design with a head 26 and shank 28. Members 16, 22 are arranged for normally lying in a vertical plane.

Members 16 eachare partially formed as a longitudinally extending plate 30 provided with perpendicularly extending and co-directional flanges 32 on longitudinal edges 34 thereof for forming a channel 36 in which a member 22 is received for restricted movement therein. Side rails 12 are L-shaped angles 38, each having members 16 connected to the inner surface 40 of a leg 41 thereof by an extension 42 which is perpendicular to plate 30, and plate 30 is arranged parallel to and spaced from the other leg 44. Extension 42 may be for example, riveted to leg 41.

Members 22 each are formed as an L-shaped bracket 46, with one leg 48 provided with at least one pin 24 and dimensioned to mate with channel 36 for preventing a rocking movement between the two members 16, 22. Leg 48 is provided with a hole 50 for each pin 24 so as to receive a reduced portion 52 of a shank 28. As shown in the drawings, a pair of longitudinally spaced pins 24 and slots 18 are provided. A head'54 is formed on the end of shank 28 opposite head 26 for retaining a pin 24 in leg 48.

End rails 20 are T-shaped members 56 provided with a stem 58. The member 22 is connected to stem 58 as by rivets .60 extending through the stem and the other leg 59 of member 22 which is perpendicular with respect to leg 48. Each member 22 is provided with a means 62 for selectively connecting a caster (not shown) or other floor engaging member thereto. This means 62 may be a cylindrical portion 64 formed in leg 59 in a known manner.

FIGS. -7 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the connection between the side rails and end rails and FlG.-8 illustrates a detachable clip mounted on the side rail for retaining the box springs in position on the frame.

In theconstruction illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the detachable connection interconnects a side rail 70 and an end rail 72both of which are of angle iron construction with the horizontal flange disposed uppermost. A bracket 74 is attached to the side rail 70 and a bracket 76 is attached to the end rail 72 and the brackets 74 and 76 are vertically interlocked with each other. The bracket 74 includes a vertical plate 78 having a pair of outwardly extending attaching lugs 80 at the upper end thereof secured to the vertical flange of the side rail 70 by rivets 82 or by any other suitable construction. As illustrated, the plate 78 is slightly offset in relation to the lugs 80 as at 84. This offset 84 provides a space between the plate 78 and the vertical flange of the side rail 70 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 and also serves to rigidify the bracket 74.

The lower side edge portion of the plate 78 is provided with a pair of parallel flanges 86 which together with the plate 78 form an inwardly opening vertical channel-shaped stabilizing structure for receiving the bracket 76. Mounted on the plate 78 is a pair of vertically aligned and spaced headed pins 88 which are riveted to the plate 78 in a well known manner.

The bracket 76 includes a vertical plate 90 having a pair of keyhole slots 92 formed therein with the downwardly extending notch 94 defining part of the keyhole slot having side edges which converge slightly towards each other so that when the headed pins 88 are inserted through the keyhole slots and move downwardly, the side edges of the notches 94 will tightly and frictionally grip the shank portion of the headed pin 88 thus rigidly connecting the bracket 76 to the bracket 74. The

flanges 86 engage the side edges of the plate thus further rigidifying the connection between the brackets. The bracket 76 also includes a vertical plate 96 perpendicular to the plate 90 that is attached to the outer surface of the vertical flange of the end rail 72 by rivets 98. The plate 96 is provided with a U-shaped vertical rib 100 therein with the lower end portion of the plate being rolled into a tube or sleeve 102 to receive a floor-engaging attachment such as a caster or the like with the tube 102 defining a leg for supporting the end rail 72 with the side rail 70 connected thereto'and the weight of the bedding and occupant being supported by resting on the side rail 70 which is disposed slightly above the end rail 72 will assure rigid interconnection of the side and end rails and prevent any possible rocking movement of the tubular legs 102 and the end rails 72 in relation to the side rails 70.

FIG. 8 illustrates a right-angular clip 104 having a horizontal flange 106 resting on the top surface of the top flange of the side rail 70 and a vertical flange 108 extending upwardly from the outer edge thereof for engagement with the box springs normally positioned on the bed frame. The inner edge of the flange 106 is provided with a downwardly offset tongue 110. The tongue 110 is generally parallel to the flange 106 and downwardly offset therefrom by an offset portion 112 with the offset portion 112 and the tongue 110 being narrower than the flange 106. The tongue 110 and a portion of the offset portion 112 is inserted downwardly through a slot 114 formed in the top flange of the side rail 70 so that the clip 104 may be assembled by inserting the tongue vertically down through the slot when the flange 106 is substantially vertical after which the clip is rotated downwardly until the flange 106 rests against the top flange of the rail 70 with the vertical flange 108 extending upwardly from a position in alignment with or just outside of the vertical flange of the rail 70 thereby providing clips for engaging the box springs and retaining them in secured position on the frame. This construction also enables the frame to be shipped in a knockdown position with the two end rails and the two side rails detached from each other and compactly nested in relation to each other with the clips 104 and the casters or other floor-engaging elements being provided in a separate container such as a bag or the like which may be inserted into a void area in the package thereby providing not only a compact nested arrangement of the knocked-down frame but also one which can be inserted into a cardboard carton with no sharp projections such as would occur if the clips were permanently attached to the side rails in a manner so that they projected above the horizontal top flange of the side rails.

In both arrangements, the taper of the notches defining the keyhole slots and the orientation of the pins and notches are such that the weight supported by the side rails will facilitate and retain the rigid interconnection. Also, the inwardly opening channel on the bracket on the side rail in each arrangement engages and receives the side edges of the corresponding vertical plate on the bracket on the end'rail thus further providing a rigid connection and preventing fore-and-aft rocking movement of the legs and end rails supported thereby when the bed frame is being pushed or pulled endwise. The two spaced headed pins and keyhole slots together with the plate-to-plate engagement between the bracket plate on the side rail and the bracket plate on ofthe invention.

the end rail and the fact that the thickness of the plate having the keyhole slots therein is substantially the same as the distance between the headed end of the pin and the adjacent plate on which the pins are mounted will'prevent' anylateral rocking movement of the side rails in relation to the end rails thereby providing a rigid connection'in all directions but yet a connection which may be readily released by exerting relative vertical forces on the end and side rails to disengage the vertically interlocked keyhole slot and headed pin connection.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A rectangular bed frame with detachable rails, comprising, in combination:

a. a'pair of side rails having spaced end portions;

b. a pair of end rails having spaced end portions;

c. first members mounted on one of the side and end rails and arranged at the end portions thereof;

. (1. pairs of flanges provided on each first member and arranged extending transversely with respect to the associated rail and codirectionally from the first member and associated rail for forming a channel;

, e. second members mounted on the other of the side and end rails and arranged at the end portions thereof, each second member having a portion arranged and dimensioned for being selectively, matingly, received in the channel of a first member in rocking movement preventing relationship; and

f. means provided on the first and second members for selectively connecting the side rails to the end rails.

2. A structureas defined in claim 1, wherein said first members are each partially formed as a longitudinally extending plate arranged transversely of an associated side rail, and co-directionally extending, channel forming flanges are planar and arranged on vertical longitudinal edges of the plate.

3. A structure asdefined in claim 2, wherein said second transversely extending members are each formed as an L-shaped bracket formed by a pair of legs, with one leg arranged perpendicular to and provided with the connecting means and forming the portion dimensioned to mate with said channel for preventing a rocking movement between the two members, and the other leg arranged for supporting the bed frame.

4. A structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the members are arranged for normally lying in a vertical plane. t

5. A structure as defined in claim 3, wherein the connecting means includes a pair of longitudinally spaced, keyhole shaped slots provided in one of the first and second members, and has a pair of pins provided in the other of the members and arranged for mating with the slots.

6. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the side rails are longitudinally extending, L-shaped angles, each having'the first members connected to the inner surface of a leg thereof and arranged parallel to and spaced from the other leg, and said end rails are longitudinally extending T-shaped members provided with a stem, and the second members are L-shaped brackets having a leg connected to said stem and arranged perpendicularly with respect to the other leg which is provided with said at least one pin forming part of the con- .necting means.

7. In a bed frame defined by a pair of side rails and crossrails, a detachable and rigid connection between the side rails and crossrails, said connection comprising a vertically interlocked assembly including a pair of vertically disposed plates, means along vertically disposed side edges of one of said plates for forming a channel receiving the other plates and preventing the other plate from moving horizontally in the plane of the one plate, the plates abutting one another in parallel relationship, and keyhole slot and headed pin means on said plate means intermediate the side edges thereof for securing the plate means against each other when moved in one vertical relationship and enabling disconnection of the plate means when moved in the other vertical relationship.

8.The structure as defined in claim '7 wherein each of said plates is in the form of a vertical plate having substantially vertically disposed side edges, said means on the vertically disposed side edges including a pair of substantially parallel vertically disposed flanges projecting laterally to the same side of said plate with said flanges engaging the side edges of the other plate to prevent horizontal movement of the plates in the vertical plane of the plates.

9. The structure as defined in claim 8 wherein keyhole slot and headed pin means includes a pair of verti- .cally spaced and aligned headed pins on one of said plates and a pair of vertically aligned and spaced keyhole slots in the other of said plates, each of said slots including a substantially circular opening at one end and a notch extending vertically from the opening with the side edges of the notch converging away from the circular opening for grippingly engaging opposed side surfaces of the headed pin between the head on the pin and the plate on which the pin is mounted.

10. The structure as defined in claim 9 wherein said headed pins are mounted on the plate having the flanges on the side edges thereof, said flanged plate being mounted on the side rails and the slotted plate being mounted on the crossrails.

11. The structure as defined in claim 10 wherein said side rails and crossrails are of angular configuration including a horizontal upper flange and a depending vertical flange, said plate on the side rail being attached to the depending vertical flange adjacent the horizontal flange, said plate on the crossrail being of L-shaped configuration and. including a vertical flange attached to the depending vertical flange on the crossrail, said plate on the crossrail including a depending tubular lower end portion for receiving a floor-engagement means.

12. The structure as defined in claim 1 1 wherein said plate having the headed pins thereon is provided with a pair of attaching lugs offset to the side of the plate opposite from the flanges for connection with the vertical flange of the side rail and rigidifying the vertical plate.

13. A detachable connection for connecting intersecting frame rails in a bed frame in which one of the frame rails is supported from a floor surface and the other of the frame rails is supported therefrom, said connection including a vertical plate depending from 14. The structure as defined in claim 13 wherein said interlocking means includes a pair of vertically disposed headed pins on the plate on the supported rail and a pair of vertically disposed keyhole slots in the plate on the supporting rail, each of said keyhole slots having an upper circular portion and a depending notch portion defined by downwardly converging side edges for frictionally engaging the surfaces of the headed pin inwardly of the headed ends thereof whereby downward forces exerted on the supported 7 rail will rigidly interlock the plates. 

1. A rectangular bed frame with detachable rails, comprising, in combination: a. a pair of side rails having spaced end portions; b. a pair of end rails having spaced end portions; c. first members mounted on one of the side and end rails and arranged at the end portions thereof; d. pairs of flanges provided on each first member and arranged extending transversely with respect to the associated rail and codirectionally from the first member and associated rail for forming a channel; e. second members mouNted on the other of the side and end rails and arranged at the end portions thereof, each second member having a portion arranged and dimensioned for being selectively, matingly, received in the channel of a first member in rocking movement preventing relationship; and f. means provided on the first and second members for selectively connecting the side rails to the end rails.
 2. A structure as defined in claim 1, wherein said first members are each partially formed as a longitudinally extending plate arranged transversely of an associated side rail, and co-directionally extending, channel forming flanges are planar and arranged on vertical longitudinal edges of the plate.
 3. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein said second transversely extending members are each formed as an L-shaped bracket formed by a pair of legs, with one leg arranged perpendicular to and provided with the connecting means and forming the portion dimensioned to mate with said channel for preventing a rocking movement between the two members, and the other leg arranged for supporting the bed frame.
 4. A structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the members are arranged for normally lying in a vertical plane.
 5. A structure as defined in claim 3, wherein the connecting means includes a pair of longitudinally spaced, keyhole shaped slots provided in one of the first and second members, and has a pair of pins provided in the other of the members and arranged for mating with the slots.
 6. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the side rails are longitudinally extending, L-shaped angles, each having the first members connected to the inner surface of a leg thereof and arranged parallel to and spaced from the other leg, and said end rails are longitudinally extending T-shaped members provided with a stem, and the second members are L-shaped brackets having a leg connected to said stem and arranged perpendicularly with respect to the other leg which is provided with said at least one pin forming part of the connecting means.
 7. In a bed frame defined by a pair of side rails and crossrails, a detachable and rigid connection between the side rails and crossrails, said connection comprising a vertically interlocked assembly including a pair of vertically disposed plates, means along vertically disposed side edges of one of said plates for forming a channel receiving the other plates and preventing the other plate from moving horizontally in the plane of the one plate, the plates abutting one another in parallel relationship, and keyhole slot and headed pin means on said plate means intermediate the side edges thereof for securing the plate means against each other when moved in one vertical relationship and enabling disconnection of the plate means when moved in the other vertical relationship.
 8. The structure as defined in claim 7 wherein each of said plates is in the form of a vertical plate having substantially vertically disposed side edges, said means on the vertically disposed side edges including a pair of substantially parallel vertically disposed flanges projecting laterally to the same side of said plate with said flanges engaging the side edges of the other plate to prevent horizontal movement of the plates in the vertical plane of the plates.
 9. The structure as defined in claim 8 wherein keyhole slot and headed pin means includes a pair of vertically spaced and aligned headed pins on one of said plates and a pair of vertically aligned and spaced keyhole slots in the other of said plates, each of said slots including a substantially circular opening at one end and a notch extending vertically from the opening with the side edges of the notch converging away from the circular opening for grippingly engaging opposed side surfaces of the headed pin between the head on the pin and the plate on which the pin is mounted.
 10. The structure as defined in claim 9 wherein said headed pins are mounted on the plate having the flanges on the side edges thereof, said flaNged plate being mounted on the side rails and the slotted plate being mounted on the crossrails.
 11. The structure as defined in claim 10 wherein said side rails and crossrails are of angular configuration including a horizontal upper flange and a depending vertical flange, said plate on the side rail being attached to the depending vertical flange adjacent the horizontal flange, said plate on the crossrail being of L-shaped configuration and including a vertical flange attached to the depending vertical flange on the crossrail, said plate on the crossrail including a depending tubular lower end portion for receiving a floor-engagement means.
 12. The structure as defined in claim 11 wherein said plate having the headed pins thereon is provided with a pair of attaching lugs offset to the side of the plate opposite from the flanges for connection with the vertical flange of the side rail and rigidifying the vertical plate.
 13. A detachable connection for connecting intersecting frame rails in a bed frame in which one of the frame rails is supported from a floor surface and the other of the frame rails is supported therefrom, said connection including a vertical plate depending from the supported frame rail and a vertical plate depending from the supporting frame rail, the plates abutting one another in parallel relationship, one of said plates having laterally extending substantially vertical and parallel flanges arranged forming a channel thereon for entirely receiving the other plate, said plates including means for interlockingly engaging one another that is engaged and disengaged in response to relative vertical movement between the frame rails with the interlocking engagement thereof being in the direction whereby downward forces exerted on the supported rail will retain the interlocking engagement.
 14. The structure as defined in claim 13 wherein said interlocking means includes a pair of vertically disposed headed pins on the plate on the supported rail and a pair of vertically disposed keyhole slots in the plate on the supporting rail, each of said keyhole slots having an upper circular portion and a depending notch portion defined by downwardly converging side edges for frictionally engaging the surfaces of the headed pin inwardly of the headed ends thereof whereby downward forces exerted on the supported rail will rigidly interlock the plates. 